Wii Remote gets a safety jacket

Oct. 2, 2007

Nintendo has announced that the Wii Remote Jacket, a safety-enhancing protective cushioning for the Wii controller, will come bundled with Wii hardware beginning later this month.

Described as a "durable, silicone cover for the Wii Remote that provides a variety of benefits for the player," the Wii Remote Jacket will be included with all Wii consoles and all Wii Remotes sold separately or packaged with Wii Play.

According to a Nintendo press release, "The Wii Remote Jacket provides cushioning for the Wii Remote for people who might accidentally throw or drop their Wii Remotes while playing games," although "the current Wii Remote is a safe product when used properly."

Nintendo has been trying to allay safety concerns relating to the Wii Remote since the Wii launched in 2006. Numerous reports of Wii Remote straps breaking and controllers flying out of gamers' hands even led Nintendo to announce that it would replace millions of Wii Remote straps with heavier duty versions.

"We're always looking for ways to improve our products and make sure everyone has a safe and fun experience," said George Harrison, Nintendo of America's senior vice president of marketing and corporate communications. "Many electronics manufacturers provide similar protective covers for products like cell phones, PDAs and MP3 players."

Current Wii owners who want to get Wii Remote Jackets free of charge can do so by visiting wii.comornintendo.com.

Courtesy of Next Generation